2 Vikings veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025
The post 2 Vikings veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025 appeared first on ClutchPoints.
The Minnesota Vikings were so close to having a remarkable season in 2024. They started the season with five straight victories, and after a pair of losses they came through with a nine-game winning streak.
Advertisement
The Vikings were 14-2 going into their regular season finale against the powerful Detroit Lions. A win in that game for the Vikes would have given them the top spot in the NFC North and the overall No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.
It was not to be and it really wasn't close. The Vikings offensive line did not hold up against the Lions and quarterback Sam Bradford felt the pressure of the moment and the heat from the Detroit pass rush.
The Vikings lost that game by a 31-9 margin and were shunted to the Wild Card round of the playoffs. They lost that game to the Los Angeles Rams by a 27-9 score and their dream season came to a stunning end.
The Vikings have spent much of the offseason attempting to amend the weakness on the offensive line. They added center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts during free agency and they drafted guard Donovan Jackson with the 25th pick in the first round.
Advertisement
The Vikings are happy with offensive tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill. That duo is considered one of the best in the league at their respective positions.
Jackson has the characteristics the Vikings are looking for at guard
The Vikings are hoping that Jackson will be good enough to take the starting position away from left guard Blake Brandel. Jackson proved to be a a versatile and impactful offensive lineman for the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, and head coach Kevin O'Connell knows that the Vikings have a player who will battle on every snap.
Brandel is a four-year veteran who has started every game the past two years and has performed at an above average level. However, he did not distinguish himself against elite opponents, and if the Vikings are going to be more than a strong regular-season team, they need outstanding guard play against the best opponents.
Advertisement
Jackson appears to have all the tools needed to get there, but the question is whether he can get there in his rookie season. If he does win the starting job during training camp, he will have Darrisaw at left tackle on one side of him and Kelly on the other side.
That should help him quite a bit, but he is going to have to be successful on his own. Jackson played left tackled during the Buckeyes' championship run. The 6-4, 315-pound Jackson is wide and powerful with polished footwork. He has an excellent hand punch that can stun defensive linemen.
Jackson must show he has the flexibility to man the guard spot, but he plays with a sense of leverage and has wonderful mobility. Those are the key reasons the Vikings believe in him.
He will clearly push Brandel for the starting left guard position.
Oscar Chapman will push Ryan Wright for the punting position
Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
The Vikings were not overly thrilled with the punting job done by Ryan Wright last season. He had a decent 46.5-yard average but just a 40.6-net-yard average. He had one punt block, he had 27 punts inside the 20 and five touchbacks.
Advertisement
This was not a bad year, but the Vikings are hoping that rookie free agent Oscar Chapman can do a better job.
Chapman is a rookie from Adelaide, South Australia, who comes to the Vikings via the free agency route from Auburn.
Chapman punted for five seasons at Auburn and he had his best season in 2023 when he punted 61 times and had a 44.6-yard average.
He was nearly as good in 2021 when he average 44.2 yards on 57 punts. He was not quite as decisive last year as he averaged 42.5 yards on 41 punts last year.
The Vikings like what they see from Chapman because he can get his punts away quickly. He should have a better-than-even chance of beating out Wright for the punting position.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Panthers exit interviews: Tkachuk talks possible surgery, Ekblad talks contract
The Florida Panthers held their exit interviews with the media on Saturday, one day before the team's parade to celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Here are some of the notables from the interview sessions. Panthers star winger Matthew Tkachuk played through the entire postseason with torn adductor muscle, which had torn all the way off the bone, in addition to a sports hernia that he had sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in mid-February. 'He was a mess,' Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. Yet despite missing the final 25 games of the season and being uncertain for the start of the playoffs, Tkachuk played in every game of the postseason and finished averaging a point per game — 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 23 games — while fighting through the injury. Tkachuk said he might have to get surgery this summer but nothing is definitive just yet. 'I don't know yet,' Tkachuk said. 'I've gotta go through some steps here and then see if I need surgery or not. It's it's gonna take a few weeks to determine if I need it. Probably 50-50 right now. I don't know if it'll be a normal summer or not. I hope so. I'm just gonna jump right into surgery without talking to everybody and going through everything. I mean, I have a few weeks here where I can figure it out.' Regardless, it will not be a 'normal summer' for Tkachuk for personal reasons — he's getting married. Top-pair defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who has been with the Panthers his entire career since being selected No. 1 overall in 2014, is due to become a free agent on July 1 unless he signs an extension before that. Ekblad said 'conversations have been had,' but a deal hasn't materialized just yet. 'They'll be working on it,' Ekblad said. 'Things like to seem to come down to the last minute here.' Ekblad has mentioned time and again how much he wants to stay with the Panthers. He's a lifer, with 732 career regular-season games played and 83 playoff games. 'It's part of who I am at this point,' Ekblad said. 'I've spent 11 years here. That's more than I've spent in any home or city in my life. It's home, and I expect it to be home.' The Panthers certainly have been enjoying themselves the past few days, making multiple trips to the Elbo Room on Fort Lauderdale Beach, a stop at the Miami nightclub E11even, going out to team dinners and taking a boat ride. Things have gotten chaotic at times, but after becoming just the seventh team in the expansion era of the NHL to win the Cup in consecutive years, yeah, they're taking the time to celebrate. 'We're not toning it down,' Ekblad said. 'We just won two Stanley Cups in a row; we deserve to have a good time. We have good people in that room, so anything…if people think we're crossing the line, there's no chance. We're just having a good time, it's pure excitement. There's obviously a respect factor, and, you know, personally, I try to toe that line, but, no, it's all fun, and you know, we deserve it, for sure.' Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov said the team is able to enjoy itself more this time around because they 'know the feeling already a little bit.' 'Don't get me wrong, it's still amazing,' Barkov said, 'but now everyone just knows how to sit back a little bit and enjoy it because last year was so hectic. It happened and it's your first time ever, and you've been dreaming about it for such a long time. I feel like this year, everyone gave permission to themselves to enjoy it. We've had a good time.' Who's been the party MVP at this point? 'I don't see how Barky doesn't get his jersey retired at E11even,' Tkachuk said with a smile. 'He was incredible. E-Rod [Evan Rodrigues] was on another level. Marchy [Brad Marchand] has been Marchy. I'd say Reino has been really good, too. It's been great for me. I'm just able to hide in the weeds this year, and I feel like I've been doing pretty good, as well. But there's been some guys that have put in quite a shift. It's been an impressive outing from the team.' Now, the partying has led to some dings and dents on the Stanley Cup. Has the team heard from the Hall of Fame about that? 'No. I think they've seen worse,' Barkov said. 'I think every week, they have to go and fix some part of it. But yeah, don't be stupid. Don't take it to the ocean, stuff like that. We should know the rules by now.' Panthers coach Paul Maurice said that, yes, he will be wearing a shirt depicting his two cats (Penny and Poppy) at the team's parade on Sunday, just like he did last year. 'I don't have a choice,' Maurice said. 'That's I deal I made a couple years ago.' Maurice also said his speech at the parade this year will be 'PG-rated' compared to the one he gave last year. As for how the coach has celebrated the past few days compared to his players? 'I haven't had a hangover yet, so way ahead of where I was last year,' he said.
Newsweek
30 minutes ago
- Newsweek
NFL Analyst Gushes Over Commanders' Offseason Moves
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Last season, the Washington Commanders found themselves rapidly climbing the ranks in the NFC. Jayden Daniels quickly adapted to the pro level, putting together an impressive rookie campaign. Not only did he lead the Commanders to the postseason, but Washington pulled off multiple upsets en route to appearing in the NFC Championship game. Coming off a successful 2024 campaign, the Commanders wasted no time building on their positive momentum. The front office quickly got to work improving the roster, securing upgrades at various important positions. By far their biggest splash was trading for San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Also read: Cowboys Star Utters Bold Statement on Commanders' Jayden Daniels A few weeks out from training camp, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks put out a column breaking down the biggest winners from this past offseason. The Commanders received praise for their numerous additions, but he did cite needing to resolve Terry McLaurin's contract holdout. Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024. Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024."It's hard to improve from good to great in the NFL, but the Commanders might join the league's elites with an improved roster that features more blue-chip players around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels," Brooks wrote. "The trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel place a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber players in marquee positions (left tackle and WR2) that should help the offense unlock another gear in 2025. If the team can resolve Terry McLaurin's contract situation, the Commanders will have a chance to open the season with an electric offense that will put plenty of stress on defensive coordinators crafting plans to stop the juggernaut." Also read: NFL Writer Cites 'Overreaction' to Commanders Star's Holdout Since entering the NFL back in 2016, Tunsil has emerged as one of the top offensive tackles in the league. He spent the past two years protecting CJ Stroud and now will be doing so for another young dynamic quarterback. Samuel is coming off a down year with the 49ers, but that should alter the opinion of him joining the Commanders. He'll be able to provide a new element to Washington's offensive and gives Daniels another weapon at his disposal. In the event McLaurin works things out with the front office, he and Samuel can emerge as one of the top wide receiver duos in the league. With Daniels having a year of experience under his belt and the roster's improvements, the Commanders have a good chance to remain in the hunt in the NFC. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Forbes
34 minutes ago
- Forbes
Dana White: Jon Jones Retires, Tom Aspinall Is UFC Heavyweight Champ
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 04: Jon Jones enters the Octagon in the UFC heavyweight championship fight ... More during the UFC 285 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 04, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) The UFC heavyweight title reign of Jon Jones ended with a phone call. According to UFC CEO Dana White, Jones informed the UFC that he was retiring from the promotion. Jones has not fought since he defended his title in November 2024 with a TKO win over Stipe Miocic. According to White, interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is now the undisputed UFC heavyweight champ. The news of Jones retiring comes days after White said, 'We'll see how this thing plays out over the next couple of weeks. If we can't get this fight done, we'll move on quickly. ... We'll have answers in the next couple weeks.' Dana White On Jon Jones Retiring LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: UFC CEO Dana White holds a press conference after the UFC 313 event at ... More T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) "Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC," White said during the post-fight press conference following Saturday's UFC Baku fight card. "I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and money, but we'll make it up to him," White added. "Tom Aspinall is a good guy. He's been incredible through this whole process that we've gone through. He's been willing to do anything – fight him anywhere at any time and do this. Now he's like, 'I'll fight anybody. Tell me who and I'll fight him.' Aspinall has been great. He's going to be a great heavyweight champion for us and I'm excited to work with him." "International Fight Week starts Monday in Las Vegas," White continued. 'Tom will be in Vegas all week with us, so we'll get together with him and figure out what's next.' Jon Jones's UFC Heavyweight Title Reign NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Jon Jones of the United States of America reacts after his TKO ... More victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jones last defended that title in February 2020 with a decision win over Dominick Reyes. In August 2020, Jones surrendered that belt. "Just got off the phone with UFC, today I confirm that I'm vacating the light heavyweight championship," Jones wrote on social media. 'It's officially up for grabs. It's been an amazing journey, sincere thank you to all my competition, UFC and most importantly you fans.' When Jones returned to action in Mach 2023, it was as a heavyweight. He defeated Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC heavyweight title with a submission win. Jones defended the crown once, beating Miocic by TKO in November 2024. Dana White Said At UFC 316 That Jon Jones Had Agreed To Fight Tom Aspinall MONTREAL, QUEBEC - MAY 09: UFC CEO Dana White waves to the crowd during the UFC 315 ceremonial ... More weigh-in at Bell Centre on May 09, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC) Earlier this month, White said Jones had agreed to fight Aspinall. "It's definitely the process with Jon Jones," White said of the ongoing negotiations between the UFC and Jones at the UFC 316 post-fight press conference. "I've been going through this since the day he started this. It's definitely the process. Him and Anderson Silva, every time throughout the history of being in business with those guys when it comes time to get them fights, it's like dealing with artists. It's interesting. "It's Aspinall's fight. We've been talking to this kid forever about it and it's his fight. Listen, you can't make people fight. If Jon doesn't want to fight, you can't make him fight. We can try to make him fight. We can throw things at him that inspire him to want to fight but we'll figure it out." "But yes, Jon agreed to fight Tom, fact," White added in closing. Tom Aspinall Was The Longest Serving Interim Champion NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall looks on during the ... More UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Aspinall won the interim UFC heavyweight crown in November 2023 with a knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Aspinall took that fight on short notice when the original main event for that card, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic for Jones's heavyweight title was scrapped following an injury to Jones. Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make. That fight did not take place until November 2024. Jones held on to his belt that night, beating Miocic by TKO in the third round. By that time, Aspinall had already defended his interim crown, scoring a first-round knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024. Aspinall, who has not fought since he defeated Blaydes, had been waiting for the title unification bout with Jones since Jones's win over Miocic in November. In late April, Aspinall became the longest-serving UFC interim champion, topping the 535-day reign of Renan Barao, who defended his interim title twice before being named undisputed champion. We will have more on Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall and the UFC heavyweight title as news becomes available.
